By Nora Edge June 26, 2026
Administrators from Capital Homecare Cooperative, Ridgeline Homecare Cooperative, and Peninsula Homecare Cooperative gathered June 12–13 for a highly productive and inspiring retreat along the beautiful Hood Canal, meeting in Port Ludlow and Port Townsend under perfect early‑summer weather. Hosted by Washington Homecare Cooperatives (WHC) with support from the Northwest Cooperative Development Center (NWCDC), the retreat reflected the shared mission of strengthening existing and developing caregiver‑owned cooperatives across the Pacific Northwest.
The gathering opened Friday with a deep dive into financial training on Patronage and Taxes, led by Tristan and Ben, who serve as bookkeepers for all five operational home care cooperatives in Washington. Their session grounded the group in the financial practices that sustain cooperative ownership and ensure transparency for worker‑owners.
From there, administrators moved into a series of best‑practice discussions covering schedule management, recruiting, compliance, and board development. These conversations—rooted in real challenges and shared experiences—highlighted the value of collaboration among small cooperatives that often operate with limited administrative capacity. The day concluded with a warm and lively group dinner at The Old Alcohol Plant, where conversations continued long after the plates were cleared.
Saturday carried that same spirit of solidarity forward. Over breakfast, the group shifted into enthusiastic planning for the 2026 National Homecare Cooperative Conference, imagining how Washington cooperatives can help shape the national conversation around worker‑owned home care. Later, at Kippi’s Water’s house enjoying refreshments and a resplendent garden, administrators mapped out strategic planning and priorities for 2027, ensuring that the momentum built during the retreat will guide the year ahead.
As the retreat came to a close with heartfelt goodbyes and commitments, one theme stood out: this gathering was far more than a meeting. It was a reaffirmation of the cooperative movement’s strength—rooted in shared services, mutual support, and a deep belief in caregiver‑led solutions. Washington Homecare Cooperatives continues to build a more connected, resilient, and just care economy across the state.
